China Hyaluronic Acid Market Analysis by Product Type (Low Molecular Weight (LMW HA), Medium Molecular Weight (MMW HA), High Molecular Weight (HMW HA)), Application, Formulations and End User: Trends, Brand Tracking Analysis and Forecast Till 2030

Market Overview

China Hyaluronic Acid Market recorded a sale of 958 tons in 2023 and is estimated to reach a volume of 5,426 tons by 2030 with a CAGR of 27.99% during the forecast period 2025-2030. In terms of value, the market recorded a revenue of USD 2.2 billion in 2023 with the value estimated to reach 8.1 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 19.6%.

The China hyaluronic acid (HA) market is experiencing a notable shift, diversifying beyond traditional cosmetic applications into pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. This trend is bolstered by China’s leading position in global production capacity. While HA has historically been celebrated as a key ingredient in skincare, Chinese manufacturers are now utilizing their extensive scale and fermentation expertise to explore high-value medical and health sectors.

Companies such as Bloomage Biotech and Shanghai Haohai are making significant investments in pharmaceutical-grade HA for applications including orthopedic injections, ophthalmic solutions, and drug delivery systems. Additionally, nutraceutical brands are marketing HA as a supplement for joint health and overall beauty enhancement from within. This expansion reflects a growing consumer preference for holistic wellness, as HA is increasingly recognized not only for topical use but also as an ingestible or injectable health supplement. Concurrently, there is a rise in domestic Chinese skincare and aesthetic brands that emphasize “Made in China” HA as a symbol of quality and innovation, aided by advanced molecular-weight customization. These developments highlight a broader trend: China is evolving from merely being the world’s largest HA raw material supplier to a global innovation hub that is redefining applications and consumer perceptions of hyaluronic acid.

Brand Tracking and Perception Analysis

In the China hyaluronic acid market, Bloomage Biotech emerges as the clear leader in brand strength, achieving the highest top-of-mind recall at 42% and an aided recall of 88%. This dominance is further supported by robust unaided recall and the highest emotional connection score, with both consumers and industry stakeholders linking the brand to innovation, scientific credibility, and national pride. Although Kewpie is a Japanese brand, it commands significant recognition within China, attributed to its long-established reputation for purity and cross-industry credibility, particularly in food and cosmetic applications.

Fufeng Group holds a solid second-tier position, known for its affordable and accessible large-scale production. However, its emotional appeal is more functional than aspirational. Following closely is Shanghai Haohai Biological Technology, which benefits from its strong reputation in medical aesthetics and healthcare, where it is appreciated for its modernity and adherence to progressive quality standards.

Shandong AWA Biopharm and Focus Chem exhibit moderate performance, enjoying greater recall among professional circles compared to general consumers, as they are viewed as specialized, clinically focused brands with high-quality standards. In contrast, China Eastar Group is primarily recognized for its cost efficiency, while smaller players such as Hyamed and Kangyue occupy niche positions, characterized by fragmented recall and limited emotional connections. Overall, the market landscape reveals a distinct divide between innovation-driven leaders and cost-oriented suppliers.

Market Dynamics

Increasing use of HA in ophthalmology, orthopedics, drug delivery, and dermal fillers enhances market value.

The China Hyaluronic Acid Market is witnessing significant growth, largely fueled by the increasing utilization of hyaluronic acid (HA) in advanced medical applications such as ophthalmology, orthopedics, drug delivery, and dermal fillers. Historically recognized as a prominent cosmetic ingredient for its outstanding hydration and anti-aging properties, HA is now gaining considerable traction within the pharmaceutical sector.

In ophthalmology, HA is extensively employed in eye drops and surgical solutions to enhance moisture retention, promote corneal healing, and provide lubrication during cataract and refractive surgeries. Industry reports indicate that over 35% of global ophthalmic viscosurgical devices now incorporate HA, underscoring its rising importance.

In the field of orthopedics, HA injections are increasingly becoming a favored non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis, driven by the demand from China’s aging population, which sees more than 70 million adults affected by the condition. This presents a significant market opportunity for viscosupplementation.

Additionally, the compound’s biocompatibility and biodegradability render it an invaluable asset in innovative drug delivery systems. HA-based carriers have demonstrated the potential to enhance drug bioavailability by up to 40% in clinical studies.

The dermal filler segment also serves as a major growth driver, propelled by rising demand for non-invasive aesthetic treatments among China’s urban middle class. Market data reveals that China accounts for nearly 20% of global dermal filler consumption, with HA fillers comprising the largest share due to their natural compatibility with human tissues, safety, and effectiveness in restoring facial volume and reducing wrinkles.

Overall, these expanding applications not only diversify revenue streams but also elevate HA from a mere commodity raw material to a high-value therapeutic and aesthetic solution. This transformation signifies a broader evolution within the market, wherein China is transitioning from being primarily a bulk supplier to a hub of innovation and application-driven growth, positioning its HA industry as a leader in global medical and cosmetic advancements.

Intense domestic competition and excess capacity can lead to margin erosion.

The China Hyaluronic Acid Market faces significant challenges, particularly regarding pricing pressure and the risk of oversupply, which jeopardize the profitability of manufacturers despite robust global demand. China has established dominance as the world’s largest producer of hyaluronic acid, contributing nearly 80% of global supply by weight. This leading position has attracted a myriad of producers, from large biotechnology firms to smaller chemical companies, intensifying competition within the market.

The rapid escalation in production capacity, which is projected to have exceeded 1,000 tons annually by 2023, has outstripped the growth of both domestic and international demand. Consequently, companies frequently resort to aggressive price competition to secure contracts, especially in the cosmetic and food-grade segments, where entry barriers are relatively low. This surplus in supply has resulted in a significant reduction in average export prices, with cosmetic-grade hyaluronic acid selling for as low as USD 65–200 per kilogram, while pharmaceutical-grade hyaluronic acid commands higher prices of USD 1,100 or more.

Although these lower prices may enhance China’s appeal as a supplier, they concurrently erode profit margins for domestic firms, particularly those lacking strong brand recognition or advanced technology that enables a migration up the value chain. Additionally, the risk of oversupply not only depresses current pricing but also raises concerns around sustainability, as companies may find it difficult to reinvest in research and development and quality enhancements.

This situation could impede China’s progression from being a bulk raw material supplier to an innovation-focused hub for high-value applications in pharmaceuticals and medical aesthetics. To effectively tackle pricing pressure and oversupply, it will be essential for the market to experience consolidation, implement stricter quality standards, and place a greater emphasis on differentiated products that target premium and specialized markets rather than competing purely on volume.

Segmental Analysis

Based on end user, China Hyaluronic Acid Market is segmented into Cosmetic & Personal Care Manufacturers, Pharmaceutical Companies, Clinics & Hospitals (Dermatology, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology), Dietary Supplement & Functional Food Producers.

Clinics and hospitals specializing in dermatology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology are significantly contributing to the growth of the China Hyaluronic Acid Market, as medical-grade applications gain prominence alongside traditional cosmetic uses. In the dermatology sector, the rising popularity of minimally invasive aesthetic treatments is driving strong demand for HA-based dermal fillers. Factors such as increasing urban affluence, heightened beauty consciousness, shorter recovery times, and improved safety profiles have positioned HA fillers as the preferred choice in China’s medical aesthetics landscape, with procedures experiencing double-digit annual growth rates.

Orthopedics represents another rapidly expanding area, where HA injections are increasingly prescribed for osteoarthritis and joint-related conditions. With China’s aging population projected to surpass 400 million individuals over the age of 60 by 2035, the prevalence of osteoarthritis is anticipated to rise, creating ongoing demand for viscosupplementation therapies that alleviate pain and restore mobility without the need for surgery.

Similarly, ophthalmology practices are increasingly relying on HA in applications such as eye drops, surgical aids, and treatments for dry eye syndrome and cataract procedures. The compound’s viscoelastic and moisture-retaining properties ensure patient comfort and enhance treatment effectiveness. Additionally, the involvement of hospitals and specialized clinics is vital in fostering consumer trust, as HA products utilized in these settings must comply with stringent regulatory and safety standards, reinforcing confidence in their therapeutic value.

Collectively, the dermatology, orthopedics, and ophthalmology sectors are broadening the scope of HA applications, transforming the market from a primarily cosmetic-driven industry to one grounded in medical necessity. This shift not only diversifies revenue streams but also accelerates the evolution of Chinese HA manufacturers towards high-value, pharmaceutical-grade innovations, paving the way for sustained growth and enhanced global competitiveness.

Competitive Landscape

Major companies operating within the China Hyaluronic Acid Market are: Bloomage Biotech, Fufeng Group, SHANDONG AWA BIOPHARM CO., LTD., China Eastar Group, Shanghai Haohai Biological Technology, Focus Chem, Kewpie, Others.